CLIMATE CHALLENGE FUND FINAL REPORT
31st March 2016 V1 Local Energy Action Plan (LEAP) Charity No: SCO44019 CCF No: 3573
LEAP is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO)
Funded through Climate Challenge Fund from April 2015 to March 2016 to provide:
LOCAL IMPARTIAL AND FREE ADVICE TO HELP HOUSEHOLDERS SAVE MONEY, REDUCE ENERGY USE AND CARE FOR THEIR ENVIROMNENT
Operating in Lochwinnoch – Kilbarchan – Howwood – Bridge of Weir – Houston – Crosslee – Brookfield, Renfrewshire
Drop in Centres:
22 Church Street Lochwinnoch PA12 4AD 01505 842 530
The Old Library Centre 9 High Barholm Kilbarchan PA10 2EF 01505 706 070
Advance Place Main Street Bridge of Weir PA11 3PB 01505 612 034
Email [email protected]
Web www.myleapproject.org This report was prepared by the LEAP www.leapcarclub.co.uk Depute Project manager; Jen O’Brien and Project Manager; Scott Duncan with
Facebook input from team members; Alan Vince, myleapproject Alasdair Bryson, Ingrid Ewan-McRae, Susie Smith, Lesley Ritchie, Mike Callaghan and Gillian Steel and from Twitter @myleapproject Board Trustees; Martin Mansell, Lesley Scott, Colin Taylor and Russell Gibb.
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Contents
1.0 Starting Point...... 2
Project Background ...... 2
2.0 Headline Achievements ...... 3
Executive Summary ...... 3
3.0 Outputs...... 6
Output Grid – CCF Requested Data Points ...... 6
3.1 Project Activities ...... 7
4.0 CO2e and Community Outcomes...... 13
4.1 CO2e Emission Reductions ...... 13
4.2 LEAP CO2e Project Delivery Emissions ...... 16
4.3 Community Outcomes ...... 16
What Our Communities Said ...... 19
5.0 Learning and Reflection ...... 25
6.0 Finance and Project Administration ...... 27
6.1 Budget Spend ...... 27
6.2 Actual Expenditure ...... 27
7.0 Supporting Information Appendices ...... 29
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1.0 Starting Point
Project Background Local Energy Action Plan (LEAP) is a community based project utilising Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) funding awarded over the period April 2015 to March 2016 to assist local people to reduce their carbon emissions and live more carbon efficiently and sustainably. The project targeted householders in the neighbouring communities of Lochwinnoch, Kilbarchan, Bridge of Weir, Houston, Brookfield, and Crosslee in Renfrewshire. Local residents participated in the design, development and prioritisation of the project initiatives and continued to feed into improvements as the project was delivered.
The differences the project aimed to make, focused on key areas: Energy – Help local people reduce energy wasted in their homes by encouraging behaviour change and enabling adoption of suitable energy efficiency measures. Use various locally focused activities to galvanise action to improve energy efficiency.
Travel – Reduce transport fuel emissions, single occupancy car travel and car dependency by enabling residents to reduce car usage and increasing use of public and shared transport.
Waste – Reduce consumption of virgin materials with fewer items sent to landfill through provision of demand-led reuse and increasing the amount of food waste composted.
Community Resilience – Increase understanding of climate change, energy efficiency, local food production and sustainable living, working in partnership with the local schools and other groups on a programme of activities devised in conjunction with them.
The principle target outcomes anticipated within our communities were: 3,055 Tonnes CO2e saved by domestic energy efficiency measures and low carbon lifestyle and behavioural changes of local residents People use less energy in their homes More people have awareness and understanding how to reduce energy consumption Improve independence in transport choices, reducing dependency on fossil fuel based modes of transport and car dependency People eat more local, seasonal food Increase awareness of climate change, energy efficiency, local food sourcing and sustainable living Increase opportunities for and skills in waste reduction, recycling and upcycling and diversion of waste from landfill
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2.0 Headline Achievements
Executive Summary April 2015 - March 2016 CCF funding allowed the project to expand to incorporate Houston, Crosslee and Brookfield, while continuing to operate in the Renfrewshire villages of Kilbarchan, Bridge of Weir and Lochwinnoch.
The success of LEAP’s Drop in Centres in Lochwinnoch and Bridge of Weir as community spaces was maintained in addition to weekly surgeries at KIPCO in Kilbarchan and The Carrick Centre in Houston.
2,950 Tonnes of CO2e emissions were saved across all project activities (97% of the funding target). The majority of the carbon savings came from domestic energy savings; 1,503 tonnes. Travel activities saved 355 tonnes CO2e, Waste activities 198 tonnes and Communities Resilience activities 892 tonnes.
54 workshops, events and training sessions were carried out by LEAP over the year. The image shows a Meddle and Make upcycling Workshop held in Kilbarchan, Oct 2015.
98% of local residents surveyed, who had engages with LEAP, said they would recommend LEAP to friends and family. Over 1,600 community residents of all ages engaged with the project through a wide variety of activities.
LEAP completed 256 Home Visits (target 200) in local homes with 1073 energy efficiency measures being completed by LEAP and by residents.
We showcased what we do through short films about LEAP Community Carclub and LEAP Energy, we’ve had over 30,000 views of our films so far.
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LEAP successful not-for-profit rural Car Club currently has 48 members and has become self-sustaining, employing one person and not requiring any external funding as of Feb 2016.
LEAP Car Club’s first Electric Vehicle has been a great success with Carclub members.
Through the strength of our delivery of CCF outcomes we levered over £200,000 in match funding to support two additional complimentary programmes of work for fuel poor and vulnerable households. Our ‘Make It Happen’ scheme carried out small energy efficiency measures, such as draught proofing and secondary glazing in 30 homes, and our Warmer Homes project installed External Wall Insulation (EWI) for 14 homes.
External Wall Insulation carried out by LEAP – BEFORE and AFTER
2.7 tonnes of waste was diverted from landfill through our waste programme of events and activities to increase recycling, upcycling and re-use opportunities in our rural communities. Strong partnership working now flourishes with the 8 local schools benefitting from programmes to support activities embedded into the curriculum.
Waste, Re-use and upcycling events exceeded anticipated participation rates and items saved from landfill
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LEAP online presence (www.myleapproject.org) continues to grow with increasing number of website utilisation for learning and interaction with LEAP Facebook and Twitter
Data analysing of website usage informed further enhancements. New content, such as films, events and education materials, were highlighted through LEAP Facebook and Twitter posts.
Strong partnerships were developed with Renfrewshire Council, The Greener Renfrewshire Thematic Board, Energy Action Scotland, Home Energy Scotland and Engage Renfrewshire including increased referrals between organisations.
The project team continued to flourish, with new contractors brought in to meet the changing project delivery needs. The project directly employs 9 local people with many other local suppliers successfully employed on the project at various points, plus a locally based voluntary board of 7 trustees, all committed to the long term sustainability of the organisation.
Looking to the future; the LEAP board and the project team are focused on the long term sustainability of the organisation, continuing to work towards a broader base of income streams, while committed to continuing to work closely with the local community.
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3.0 Outputs
Output Grid – CCF Requested Data Points
How many advice/information centres – regular drop-in centre, advice surgery etc. - is your project running? 4
How many training sessions where skills and/or info were passed on e.g. composting training, cooking workshops etc. have held. 23
How many events did your project hold, e.g. information fairs, open days, etc.? Do not include events held by other organisations 54 which you have attended.
How many staff, volunteers or community members have achieved qualifications through the project – e.g. City & Guilds Energy 9 Awareness, Trail Cycle Leader, etc.
How many people were directly employed/contracted by your project. Tell us the full-time equivalent (FTE) number of employees 4.8 (e.g. 3 days per week = 0.6 FTE).
Is the project supporting the development of any long-term jobs which are not dependent of CCF Funding? How many? 1
How many people are actively involved in your project, attending groups & workshops, using the project facilities etc.? 1623
How many people volunteer their time and energy to keeping the project going – not forgetting management committee or board? 9
How many schools are involved in your project? 8
How many community-owned buildings have been refurbished? n/a
How many Home Energy Checks or similar energy efficiency reports have been carried out by your project? 256
How many households have been referred on to other agencies or providers (e.g. HES, Green Deal assessor) for further action? 256
How many households installed energy efficiency measures – loft, wall or floor insulation, draft-proofing, double glazing etc. – as a 1073 result of your project?
How many households installed green energy generation measures – photovoltaic panels, solar thermal panels, air or ground 22 source heat pumps, wood fuelled heating systems etc. – as a result of your project?
How many miles of car journeys have been reduced through the activities of your project? 363,970
How many square metres (m2) of community growing space (allotments, poly-tunnels, raised beds, community gardens) has your project brought into use? n/a
How many tonnes of waste have been diverted from landfill because of the activities of your project? 2.7 t
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3.1 Project Activities
Energy Domestic Energy Saving Activities 256 domestic Home Visits were carried out with homeowners across the 7 villages during the project. Initial prearranged Energy Advisor house calls - Home Energy Checks (HECs) - were the primary means of engagement with the project, these lasted around an hour and through completion of a comprehensive questionnaire (see Appendix A) priorities for behaviour and structural changes were discussed with the home owner. The Energy Advisor then produced a detailed Home Action Plan (HAP) (see Appendix B) which was delivered to the householder by email, post or often a return visit. The standard Home Energy Scotland (HES) Home Energy Check form was also completed by the Energy Advisor and submitted to HES who produced a Client Report and assessed eligibility for the all the government schemes running throughout the project lifetime. Follow up support visits for householders were also arranged to help bring about the 1073 energy saving measures installed during the project. In depth support of householders through their energy efficiency journeys, as well as leveraging match funding for our ‘Make It Happen’ and External Wall Insulation (EWI) programmes (see below) by the LEAP energy team enabled these measures.
LEAP Make It Happen scheme Match funded through CCF and Energy Action Scotland (EAS) Fuel Poverty Alleviation Fund LEAP ‘Make It Happen’ is our pilot scheme to improve the comfort and fuel efficiency of fuel poor and vulnerable local rural residents’ homes. It consists of three complementary services designed to make measurable difference, beneficial long term changes and become self-sustaining in the future. 1. For fuel poor and vulnerable residents in our local community: free installation of simple home energy efficiency measures such as draught proofing and minor repairs. 2. For those willing and able to pay: the same installation options provided by LEAP at a cost. 3. For DIY enthusiasts the sale of energy efficiency products such as draught proofing strips, chimney balloons, low energy lightbulbs etc. from our existing LEAP Bridge of Weir Drop In Centre. All proceeds from above aspects 2 and 3 are reinvested to fund further free measures in vulnerable residents’ homes.
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Progress and Outcomes
We referred 49 homes to our ‘Make It Happen’ programme and we have fully completed 30 homes; 27 vulnerable households and 3 paid for services. These consisted of draught proofing, secondary glazing, loft insulation – including tricky hard to reach areas and loft hatches, installing cylinder jackets, LED bulbs, pipe insulation, and minor repairs (e.g. leaky pipes, holes in wall etc.) This exceeds our ‘Make It Happen’ programme initial target of 15 households. For the homes not completed as yet, a proportion have had other issues affecting our ability to deliver actions for them within the year timescale (some examples include household changes, larger structural issues or works identified needing completion prior to small measures). We have agreements in place with those appropriate, and with further households identified, for our follow on ‘Make It Happen - More’ programme currently ongoing with actions to be carried out in the next couple of months to end of May 2016.
Our LEAP Eco-shop was set up in our Bridge of Weir Drop In Centre with a full shop front window display and has also been advertised in our Lochwinnoch and Kilbarchan Drop In Centres and online through our LEAP website. Our best sellers have been Chimney Balloons, LED bulbs and radiator reflector panels.
The homes where we have completed measures have been very pleased with the results. Those who have purchased or received quotes for the paid for service have been happy with the timescales, communication, quality of work and value for money. We had been referred home to home by householders. We have been contacted by organisations across Renfrewshire to discuss the innovative ‘Make It Happen’ programme of practical action we
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provide. Vulnerable householders have been pleased to be contacted with an offer of assistance and happy with the actions accomplished.
Vulnerable households report previous frustrations with the current available government schemes where energy companies are only interested in larger projects. Householders consider our ‘Make It Happen’ programme fills the gap for those needing smaller but equally important measures done in terms of energy saving and home comfort.
Householders’ feedback has been that it’s good to have a local service actually doing something practical to help:
“I really appreciate your prompt response. I have tried on a regular and ongoing basis to get decent insulation for the house which is very cold, draughty and hard to heat. Last winter I suffered from 2 bouts of pneumonia. I cannot afford to keep my house warm. I have been in contact with Scottish Gas, Energy Savings Trust… I have also independently contacted a couple of insulation companies who are carrying out funded work. So far, over the past 2 years I have received several visits, surveys etc, and a range of varying excuses … The cost of all this must be high, and I am aware that ordinary people are paying for this, which for me, so far has all been spent on administration. I am still living in a cold and draughty house and suffering the consequent impact on my health” - Kilbarchan householder
“Both Alan and Alasdair have been amazingly helpful, and I am so very pleased with everything that they have done so far. It is really good to have the support of an organisation that really cares and is able to do something practical and effective, rather than ticking boxes and telling me that it can't be done - this is my experience with the other organisations offering insulation schemes” – Bridge of Weir householder
LEAP External Wall Insulation Programme Through match funding secured through EAS Consumer Redress Warmer Homes Fund LEAP completed external wall insulation (EWI) for 14 fuel poor or vulnerable rural households in hard to treat homes; 26 vulnerable householders supported.
Our households supported have ranged from low income families with young children, single persons living with disabilities, elderly and infirm couples, vulnerable young people and single parent families. The impact of this work has meant 26 vulnerable householders have substantially more comfortable homes which are easier to heat and retain their heat, and their fuel bills are reduced. All this through insulation works which these households would never have been able to afford to do themselves, lifting them out of the vicious circle
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of living in cold homes which are hard to heat and cost a lot of money to heat to a substandard temperature.
Before and After EWI – Bridge of Weir 4 in a block
Our case studies are ongoing. We have installed continuously monitoring indoor and outdoor temperature dataloggers (Logtags) along with real time gas and electricity monitors (Loop) in households which are showing the impact of the insulation installed. Early indications are that we will have lifted at least some of these households out of fuel poverty, and made a huge impact on all. Feedback has been very good from householders, from describing how comfortable their homes now are, to people stopping us in the street to talk about the project, to householders texting us late at night to say they’ve just turned off their heating altogether as they’re so cosy!
“Thank you so much, our living room is now so toastie we’ve turned the heating off! We’re so snug” – Lochwinnoch EWI beneficiary
25
20 Weekly Gas (£)
15
10 Average weekly temperature (Living 5 area)
0 Average weekly temperature (External)
Sample household data before and after EWI
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14% 12% 10%
8% Fuel spend % of 6% average weekly income 4% 2% 0% 2/22/2016 3/22/2016
Sample household data before and after EWI
We have we have had lots of enquiries from neighbours, friends and family of these householders, and local residents seeing the works being done regarding any possible future funding so this has been a fantastic means to do something really practical and of benefit and to get in touch with more vulnerable local residents in hard to treat homes.
“I can’t believe the difference, it's all working great and we’re very happy” – Bridge of Weir EWI beneficiary
Lochwinnoch Gable End BEFORE (with thermal image)
Lochwinnoch Gable End AFTER
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Lochwinnoch half of 4 in a block – BEFORE and AFTER
Draught Testing and Draught Proofing 30 LEAP Draught Tests (air pressure tests) were completed. Suitable households were identified by the Energy Advisor during the HEC visit. The Advisors targeted stone built, draughty, otherwise hard to treat properties, with home owners who were receptive to change. Working with the contractor Tom Barbour of Thermal Image UK, a detailed draught test report and video were prepared for the householder and reviewed with them by the Energy Advisor. Home owners were encouraged to implement the recommended measures themselves if appropriate. Our LEAP website also supplemented with tailored video’s (http://www.myleapproject.org/draught-buster-workshops/). Our match funded ‘Make It Happen’ programme also offered a paid for handyperson draughtproofing service for those able to pay which supported a free draughtproofing service for vulnerable and fuel poor community residents unable physically or financially to carry out draught proofing.
Thermal Images 64 Thermal Images of homes were taken. These homes were identified by the Energy Advisors during the HEC visit as being suitable for a thermal image to help identify heat loss. The images and accompanying reports were distributed at a Thermal Image Workshop event in March. Most commonly we found heat loss through loft hatches (from this we included a ‘How-To’ video on our website http://www.myleapproject.org/energy-advice/lofthatch), through glazing and thin curtains/blinds, and around doors and windows. At least 3 homes images identified problems with previously installed cavity wall insulation which the homeowners were able to rectify with the installers. We carried out before and after Thermal Images of the 14 properties who had solid wall insulation installed through the External Wall Insulation (EWI) programme and properties who’ve had support through our ‘Make It Happen’ programme of smaller measures installations to assess the impact, case studies are ongoing.
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Energy Saving Case Studies and Media Case studies of local householders and housing stock are ongoing. Energy and thermal efficiency data continue to be recorded for several pre-and post-external wall insulation households and continue for a household having completed cavity insulation extraction and replacement. In these case studies we are making use of Loop continuously monitoring Gas and Electricity kit and Thermal Data loggers to ascertain real time temperature benefits and comfort level improvements in homes as well as householder benefits in carbon, energy and financial saving. We also produced and Energy video showcasing what we do and detailed our programmes of works and case studies and blogs on our website: http://www.myleapproject.org/practical-cutting-the-energy-bills/.
Travel
LEAP Car Club LEAP Car club now has 48 members within the local villages and has had over double that (102) in total over the course of the 4 years it has been in operation. We have two cars in Lochwinnoch; one electric, one diesel; a hybrid car in Kilbarchan (which we launched this year) and a diesel car in Bridge of Weir.
This year we have taken big steps towards self-sustainability as we’ve been able to cut the costs on insurance and our booking system whilst increasing membership by 25% and seeing a big increase in usage. We are continuing to look for ways to innovate and cut costs and are currently undertaking a Telematics trial for Carplus which, if successful could have a positive impact on the Car club going forward.
The LEAP car club is a fantastic service, "A very local handy service. don't know how I managed before We used to have two cars without it! The cars are reliable, but got rid of one of them spotless and the booking system is so and this service plugs the easy to use. Would definitely gap." recommend it to anyone. I have also found the staff at LEAP are very friendly and helpful.”
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Community E-Bike Hire LEAP has 3 e-bikes for short and long-term loan by residents. This year between April 15 and March 2016, 21 people hired our bikes under a long term loan for 2 weeks. Of these, 50% of the hirers replace their car journeys with e-bike travel resulting in carbon savings equivalent to 988 car miles. One user blogged about their experience with leaving the car at home and using our E-bike instead: http://www.myleapproject.org/one-day-i-hired-a-leap-e- bike/
3.3 COMMUNITY RESILIENCE PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND OUTCOMES COMMUNITY INFORMATION SHARING Community Publicity LEAP’s communities told us that they wanted more regular information about LEAP’s services and LEAP embarked this year on a communications campaign to create more community awareness in our current and new operating areas, Brookfield, Crosslee and Houston, in order to promote LEAP services, increase engagement and to improve understanding of carbon reduction and environmental issues with local residents, families, groups, business and other charities and their service users. A key focus was to achieve free publicity, specifically regular monthly news spreads in free local publications, the Lochwinnoch Chatterbox and the Gryffe Advertiser, which were distributed to a total of 14,700 homes, businesses and community venues across all LEAP’s target geographical areas. A total of 65 articles and adverts, one page monthly in each publication was achieved over this year and featured articles on LEAP energy/waste/travel services, and the local people who got involved in different programmes & activities. Editorial also prompted calls for action to stimulate local residents, in carbon reduction initiatives, workshops, competitions, recycling, upcycling, travel to work and many other actions. Response rates to this local publicity can be illustrated by the fact that 55% of residents hiring e-bikes were as a direct result of people taking action as a result of reading a featured press story in these publications.
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LEAP Communication Resources To reflect the need identified for impartial advice, engagement and dialogue in carbon reduction behavioural changes and the growth into new target areas, LEAP created a range of standard publications including service flyers with LEAP energy advisors featured on the front page; event, workshops and service specific flyers, information guides and self-help carbon and energy usage hand-outs and directional banners for new outreach facilities, shop window advertising displays and pop up event promotional materials. 8000 – 10000 service and event flyers and posters were distributed across our existing, new and outreach areas. Other on line media communications included weekly website news blogs, on experiences such as e-bike travel to work, Top Tips for Saving Energy in the home. A new in- house LEAP newsletter was planned with 35 residents signing up so far and other social media platforms updated e.g. LEAP website, Facebook and twitter and service films with service users’ feedback. LEAP website has had 10,963 page views and 8,896 unique page views this year, with the top pages being Home, Energy - Loft Hatch demo, Leap Car Club. Our Website films have had the following views: 3k views on LEAP energy videos and 25k views on LEAP Car Club. The table below shows the growth in interaction on LEAP’s facebook & twitter. FACEBOOK May 15 Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar 16 Facebook likes 182 534 544 557 597 604
Average total reach 37 114 37 71 952 246 TWITTER May 16 Followers 142 257 259 Nov273 296 304 Impressions 339 1.8K 1.2K 1.4K 3.8K 2.0KDec Jan Feb Mar COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS LEAP delivered a range of carbon reduction based learning workshops in the community with different groups to increase knowledge and skill development in order to meet the needs expressed by the community for more assistance to help reduce their carbon footprint. A total of 23 workshops were delivered for 251 people from a range of backgrounds and common purpose including uniformed organisations, craft groups, English as a second language (ESOL) learners, residents from our existing and new target areas with an interest in renewable energy, hydro power, sustainable travel, e bike travel, upcycling and recycling, environmental sustainability, the circular economy, draught proofing and Energy Supplier switching.
Home Energy Awareness Workshops 5 Home energy workshops were delivered involving 3 ESOL groups, Boys Brigade, the Men’s Shed Shelter between June 15 and January 16. These were half day workshops and involved materials and information on how to save energy in the home, how to reduce home energy use and self-management of energy reduction in the home. For
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the ESOL groups visual illustration and photographs of radiator valves, meters and draught excluders were used to reduce any language barriers to learning. With the Men’s Shed Shelter group, materials for practical draught proofing was requested and included as part of the workshop to meet the demand for learning. Hand-outs on “Energy Saving Tips” for home energy were provided for all workshop participants. Workshop participants from the BB signed up to take ‘Don’t Stand by, Switch off’ pledges as part of their concluding action plan. Others named ‘ not filling the kettle up’ when they needed only a small amount of water boiled, ‘turning their radiator valve down a notch’, ‘not heating empty rooms’ and the Men’s Shed requested a follow on workshop specifically on Draught Proofing Doors in their homes, all to save energy and reduce their carbon footprint.
Eco Crafting using Recycled Materials Workshop These workshops were delivered to 44 members of 4 local craft groups who intended to take part in a LEAP Draught Excluder Competition sponsored by Home Energy Scotland as part of the LEAP’s Big Energy Saving Week. The focus of the half day workshop was identifying, preparing and using Materials for recycling and the action from the group participants was to demonstrate and discuss their use of recycled materials in their personalized and crafted or knitted Draught excluder. The fifth and final workshop was rolled out to a wider group of 20 participants where the groups delivered a short talk on their draught excluders at a One World Celebration, which hosted by Rainbow Turtle also held the competition presentation of prizes. One 6 foot draught excluder was prepared by the workshop participants and competition winners, who used left over wool pieces to prepare patches for the draught excluder and filled the body with old clothes and tights, others used magazines, newspapers, and used paper. These craft groups are now active in making Fiddle Mats for care homes for dementia sufferers using recycled materials.
E- Bike Travel Workshops LEAP provides an e-bike hire scheme for residents in the existing areas and this was extended to new operating areas this reporting year. The focus of the free hire service is to reduce the carbon by hirers replacing journeys they would have made by car, cycling on the e-bike. 2 E-bike cycling taster workshops were organised in June and August 16 to introduce 9 workshop participants to the cycling mechanics and compliances, and to explore and discuss the lifestyle behavioural changes that they could take by reducing or replacing their car travel and replacing it with alternative more environmentally friendly and carbon
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reducing options. 7 participants went on to hire e-bikes following the workshops with 75% of them replacing journeys by car – the average for e-bike hirers is 50%, so a substantially higher number were encouraged to achieve this following the workshops.
Wrapping and Recycling Workshops From an initial workshop exercise to discuss wider environmental and climate change issues with the Lochwinnoch Boys Brigade, a proposal was drafted to deliver 3 workshops, Home Energy Awareness which is noted previously, Sustainable Transport (as outlined below) and Wrapping and Recyclng. This workshop focussed on what items of packaging you can or cannot recycle in your home or recycle/ refuge bins, and outlined the reasons for this and the developing the skills of the group to understand the meaning of important signs on packaging that informs this protocol. A short interactive quiz allowed participants to gauge their awareness and household recycling and to identify what can be done to reduce the amount of packaging and wrapping used. Participants were also invited to summarise and prioritise a group plan.
Sustainable Transport Workshops This workshop involved the showcasing of the LEAP Car Club’s Nissan Leaf electric vehicle, and a demonstration of an EV charger. Information on EV transport and comparative carbon reduction was circulated and a discussion on sustainable transport and the ways in which participants can reduce their carbon footprint in relation to transport followed. A brief Q and A session concluded the workshop.
Bill Energy Surgeries/ workshops These surgeries or workshops focussed on inviting residents who had expressed an interest in learning how to read and interpret their energy bills to reduce their energy consumption, and save money. These workshops were tailored to individual or family househlders and focussed on energy bill sampling, home energy bill assessments and comparison methods, learning new skills in monitoring energy use and reducing energy consumption, and where possible impartial energy supplier switching comparisons were provided by a partner organisation. 3 workshops were held in LEAP’s new Houston outreach base at the Carrick Centre and in the LEAP shops in Lochwinnoch and Bridge of Weir at various times in the afternoon and evenings.
Thermal Image Workshops One thermal image feedback workshop was held in March 16 for 18 local householders to provide feedback and information, including their own personalised home guide, on the
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actions to be taken at different places in their homes i.e. roofs, floors, doors and windows and walls. Follow on action would then be discussed with LEAP energy advisors available at the workshop.
COMMUNITY EVENTS LEAP had booked to attend and showcase its work at a total of 7 large scale community events where crowds totalling 750 are expected to attend, such as community Gala days across the villages and in new target areas such as Brookfield Gala event to showcase its work and engage with local people interested in making a different to their carbon footprint. While 3 of these large summer Gala Day events were cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, LEAP engaged with over 100 people across the other events booking them in for Home Energy Checks, signing them up for the Organic Food and Veg Delivery club and booking them onto forthcoming events and workshops run by LEAP and the Junior Climate Challenge project LEAP. Volunteers from the Local Kilbarchan primary school eco school committee helped out at the events and individuals, families and fellow charities and community groups. In total across all the events LEAP ran this year in the community, in schools and at pop-up and gala events, 1400 people took part including school aged children, young people, adults and families.
LEAP Pop- Up events LEAP held 4 pop-up event targeting the new areas of Crosslee, Houston and Brookfield in May, July, August and September this year providing information on energy, sustainable transport services and raising awareness of LEAP across these new villages by setting up a branded pop-up outreach marquee. 57 residents new to LEAP and its services engaged with the outreach, travel and energy staff at these events.
LEAP’s Big Energy Saving Week Workshops/ Experiences There was feedback from LEAP to do something BIG for villages from the previous consultation and this year LEAP took up this challenge by running LEAP’s Big Energy Saving Week, a week-long cross village programme of workshops and events which ran from Saturday 23rd till 31st October 16 and included opportunities for residents to take part in: 2 Green Homes Tours, WoodFuel Supplier visits, a Crafting
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Competition, Energy Bill Surgeries, a Bike Swap and Bike Maintenance Class, One World Celebration Event.
The Green Homes Tours were new events and included visits to 4 local people’s homes with a range of Renewable Energy Systems installed such as Solar PV, Hydro Heat Pumps, cavity wall insulation, and a range of Energy Efficiency measures and learn first-hand from fellow residents. Sponsored by Home Energy Scotland the tours and the competition to knit or craft a draught excluder were well received with 25 participants including the local residents participating in the tours and 12 competition entries to the competition from craft groups and local residents.
Drop-In Centres The LEAP project expanded into new communities of Houston, Brookfield and Crosslee in 2015. We ran a fourth drop-in community space weekly in the Carrick Centre Houston; our first established in Lochwinnoch: LEAP HUB (opened in April 2011) and Bridge of Weir: LEAP Bridge of Weir Drop-In Centre (opened Jan 2013) and our weekly presence in The Old Library Centre, the community hub in Kilbarchan (2012). These spaces provide the backbone of LEAP’s presence in the communities and a resource for the full range of programme activities. We have become a recognisable hub for our community needs, with regularly changing window displays, we get a lot of office visits which convert into Home Energy Checks, Carclub membership, Draught Tests, Workshop activities, Food Coop deliveries etc. all of which bring community carbon savings. Our office supports all the other aspects of work we do, for example when soft calling we often get people on their doorstep responding ‘ah yes I know who you are I’ve seen your office on the street’ etc. People really respect and respond to our local, impartial and trustworthy nature of LEAP – Local Energy Action Plan and our manned drop in centres play a vital part in that.
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Our figures show that we generated almost a quarter of our enquiries in the new areas this year (24% in Houston, Crosslee and Brookfield) which is a very positive start, and we have still seen consistent high demand (76%) from our previously existing geographic areas (Kilbarchan, Lochwinnoch and Bridge of Weir).
We have maintained consistent levels of soft calling and office drop in enquiries and seen increasing number of enquiries through our website (10%) and through events (18%) and referrals (5%) this year.
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4.0 CO2e and Community Outcomes
4.1 CO2e Emission Reductions
A total of 2,950.18 tonnes of CO2e were saved through the activities undertaken during the period of the project. This is compared to a target of 3,055.44 tonnes CO2e (97% of target). These figures are calculated using the latest CCF recommendations for CO2e calculations and include a reduction due to the CO2e impact of delivering the project over the 1 year period.
Energy The original estimations for the LEAP CGCP project domestic energy saving impacts were based on our primary household data from Lochwinnoch, Howwood, Kilbarchan and Bridge of Weir area in 2013 -2014 where we found average energy savings of 1.56 tonnes CO2e per household. Using primary household data (before and after annual energy bills and measures implemented) the average saving per household for the current project was calculated as 1.17 tonnes CO2e. Details of LEAP supported householder implemented measures and energy savings are shown in Appendix H. We exceeded our targets for Home Visits (128%) but delivered slightly fewer energy efficiency measures (98%) - primarily due to the variability in government schemes supporting energy efficiency measures. The projected impact of the Green Deal nationwide did not deliver the response expected and was eventually shelved. The HEEPS Cashback scheme for EWI became fully subscribed just at the stage where our householders were applying for this matched funding (July 2015),
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although all householders were put on the HEEPS Cashback EWI waiting list, we were subsequently informed it was fully closed and no further vouchers would be issued. The Renewable Heat Incentive was introduced but Feed In Tariffs were slashed meaning any interest we had anticipated in domestic solar photovoltaics were not realised. The ‘Easy to Treat’ scheme to address cavity wall and loft insulation did not materialise. The Warmer Homes Scotland scheme was introduced but we have not had good experience or feedback from householders referred to this scheme so far regarding timescales, communication or actions achieved against expected outcomes.
Travel
Travel savings from the project were 355.00 tonnes CO2e, slightly down on target (81%). LEAP Carclub membership exceeded that targeted 48 members (46 target), membership has increased by 20% from last year and utilisation has also increased by 20%. The wholefood and organic delivery club remained static at 6 members ordering from both schemes and did not achieve the planned increase to 12 members. Our free E-bike hire scheme contributed
998 miles (0.388 tonnes CO2e) of replacement journeys.
Waste
Waste savings contributed 198.45 tonnes CO2e. The savings in this area are primarily down on target (72%) due to not receiving any data from schools for the classroom composting scheme. Schools agreed that sample weights would be taken by classes to estimate the food waste composted over the year. Due to illness of the Eco lead in one of the schools, and lack of response from the second school despite best efforts, we have so far not received any weight data so could not include any data in our calculations. The reuse and recycling programme exceeded targets delivering more events and greater participants than anticipated and saved 2.7 tonnes of materials (bikes, textiles, shoes) from landfill.
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Event Reach KgCO2e Saving
14/6/15 Lochwinnoch Bike Swap 300 children leafleted, 1411 Facebook reach - 846
13-15/9/15 Erskine to Calais Facebook reach –1180 4140 Collection 3 communities engaged.
3/10/15 Meddle & Make Awesome 15 adults attended, 844 Facebook reach - 300
235 children leafleted, 3/10/15 Saturday Swap Shop 31 people (including 2111 helpers) attended. Facebook reach - 587
24/10/15 Houston Bike Swap 648 children leafleted, 3478 Facebook reach - 687
21/11/15 Eco Crafting Children's 194 Party 3 adults & 8 children attended
6/2/15 Lochwinnoch Bike Swap 300 children leafleted, 2218 Facebook reach - 17642 with 71 shares
12/3/15 Kilbarchan Bike Swap 300 children leafleted, 470 Facebook reach - 306
Feb-Mar 16 Shoe Swap 1240 children, across 6 2757 nurseries and schools
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Community Resilience
Our community outreach programme was highly successful in terms of both the number of events held, and diverse groups and participants reached. Although we initially did not target any carbon savings for this aspect of our project we found that through creating workshops and engagement activities which included a pledge of making a small change we could then follow up with participants and measure the changes made, hence the carbon savings identified. We also created a number of online films, advice sheets and how to guides hosted on our website which we tracked engagement.
LEAP CO2e Project Delivery Emissions
Analysis was undertaken to assess the CO2e impact of delivering the project over the 1 year period which includes the emissions due to lighting and heating the LEAP community drop in centres and the travel undertaken by the project team which included team use of the LEAP Carclub and team personal vehicle use on LEAP business. The total impact of project activity was estimated at 2.71 tonnes CO2e a 14% reduction on the estimated project activity.
Both LEAP project drop in centres have been fully draught proofed, secondary glazing installed, low energy appliances and LED lighting installed by ourselves. Our LEAP team are obviously very energy aware and rigorous with energy saving and shut downs when not in use etc. We saved 7% on our Lochwinnoch drop in centre and 2% on our Bridge of Weir energy baseline in 2015 -2016 without any reduction in opening hours. We helped the upstairs tenant to our Bridge of Weir drop in centre to get the virgin loft insulated, worked with the landlord to the roof repaired and heating upgrade to further reduce energy bills. We have a project presence through information material on display and a referral service through The Old Library Centre in Kilbarchan, we also hold a pop up surgery at The Carrick in Houston but the use and opening hours etc of these premises is independent of our project. However we have of course advised and helped to implement energy saving at both these centres also. See Appendices for more details of these calculations.
4.3 Community Outcomes
Community Consultation - Measuring LEAP's Impact The LEAP's Community Feedback and Future Support Survey was carried out over a 10 day period, in February 2016. During this period, 94 responses were gathered. The survey was designed to discover what LEAP is doing well, how we can meet our community's needs better and how they would like us to help them in the future.
98% of our respondents said they would support the continuation of LEAP 97% said they would recommend LEAP to friends and family
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LEAP impact
Energy "Following advice from LEAP, [I] installed heavy curtains, low energy light bulbs, brought in professional help to change light fittings, and replaced gas fire with wood burner." - Lochwinnoch resident
Of those people who have taken actions prompted by LEAP help or advice on Home Energy efficiency, 64% have already made everyday environmentally-friendly lifestyle changes (e.g. switching off lights; using the car less; eco buying choices; switching off electrical appliances) and 15% intend to do this in the next year. This would infer that the advice and services delivered by LEAP as part of Home Energy Efficiency help create a better understanding, awareness and a willingness amongst service users to make further everyday environmental behavioural changes.
In the last year 87% of respondents have also made other simple changes within the home (learned to use their heating controls more effectively; changed to energy efficient lightbulbs; fitted radiator reflector panels; replaced an old inefficient appliance with an energy efficient one) with the other 13% intending to do at least one of these in the coming year.
Travel "Encouraged and supported [my] children to cycle to village rather than have me drive them." - rural Lochwinnoch resident
Of the 67% of survey respondents who answered this question, 57% stated that they had reduced their car journeys in the last year, in response to contact with LEAP and 10% suggested that they intended to replace their car with an electric vehicle.
Waste
"My son has loved all the LEAP competitions and events he has taken part in at school and comes home to 'educate' the rest of the family." - Kilbarchan resident
65% of people responded to this question, of these, 59% had taken part in a LEAP Bike Swap, or intended to in the next 12 months. 38% had a young household member who had taken part in a LEAP activity within school time, with 25% participating out of school, via LEAP's Youth Engagement Programme (YEP!)
Of those responding to the open question:
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What is the main benefit you have gained from actions you have taken as a result of LEAP help or advice?
65% described the Environmental Sustainability benefits they had achieved including improved learning about environmental issues, recycling, up-cycling and simply behaving in a more environmentally friendly way. Others stated that with the experience their children have had as part of the youth engagement work, as a family unit, they have been making lifestyle changes such as swaps and have a much greater awareness of their carbon footprint.
"I'm much more aware of my energy usage after the Home Energy Check. LEAP's involvement in the school has massively increased the schools' eco related activities and we now recycle and reuse more in the home as a result." - Kilbarchan resident
"Encouragement and support with recycling and upcycling clothes and textiles, and advice on bike maintenance - to make it safer for me to cycle to work" - Lochwinnoch resident
10% identified both financial and environmental benefits and have quoted that while they have saved money on home energy bills and sustainable travel, they now have a better awareness of the next steps they can take to continue to save money and reduce waste and energy/ heat loss.
"Understand my energy usage and where I can, make changes to benefit both myself and the environment. Understand the cause and effect of condensation in my home and how to prevent condensation dampness. Changed all my lightbulbs to LED ones - lower cost and a much nicer tone of lighting than my previous low energy bulbs." – anonymous
"Greater awareness of how I can reduce my carbon footprint (and save money!) by taking practical steps to reduce energy consumption in the home. LEAP events like the Bike Swap and the clothing swap, have made me think much more about the products I buy and what I can re-use instead." - Kilbarchan resident
Some of the feedback and testimonials from local residents gathered through the survey and other correspondence have been captured below.
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What Our Communities Said
“LEAP has been amazing in many more ways, in recycling events and “Joined the car club learning new skills.” 2 years ago. It's Kilbarchan resident great! Recommended it to many.” Lochwinnoch resident
“We are getting Solid External
wall insulation on the whole “LEAP have been really helpful in building through LEAP.” helping us make our house as eco- Bridge of Weir resident friendly and warm as possible.” Lochwinnoch resident
“LEAP have been really helpful in helping us make our house as eco- friendly and warm as possible.” “The lovely Alan came and fitted loft insulation and now Lochwinnoch resident my house is much warmer :)” “Invaluable advice and Lochwinnoch resident suggestions about our new home - saving money and being warmer!” Houston resident “Meddle and make workshop was fantastic. We had our son's 5th birthday party organised by Gillian from LEAP. We did mini screen printing on t-shirts and made little gift tags. The children (and parents) absolutely loved it and they all got one of “young people their old t-shirts made into something events were amazing” they'd wear again (instead of any party Kilbarchan resident bags).” Kilbarchan resident
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“Following the thermal imaging of "LEAP are clearly
our house, we have draft proofed helping local families make changes in their and topped up the loft insulation. house for the We are getting External wall better." insulation soon which should really Houston resident heat the place up. We have also switched from halogen bulbs to LED bulbs as a result of tips from LEAP staff. The bike swap was also great.” "All contact I have had with Lochwinnoch resident LEAP has been fruitful and thorough. LEAP seems to be made up of people who really care, and have the knowledge and expertise to actually get ““The boat building project has been things done." amazing. The boys involved are Kilbarchan resident doing so well. Also the work shops have been really good.”
Linwood resident
“The yep Summer programme and the “LEAP has made a on going workshops with textiles have huge contribution to been great. My child looks forward to these and used the skills learned to the local make everyone's Christmas present community” from recycled materials. It is a great Kilbarchan resident opportunity to work with a designer, and also provides social opportunities within a village setting.” Lochwinnoch resident
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ENERGY Reduce domestic energy use by an average of 18% in identified homes in the areas of Houston, Crosslee, Brookfield, Lochwinnoch, Bridge of Weir and Kilbarchan. We achieved an average of 18.96% saving in heating energy in homes throughout our project area and delivered 98% of the energy efficiency measures we targeted.
Increase the use of sustainably sourced woodfuel. Due to the local demand for woodfuel, LEAP had originally intended to set up a woodfuel co-operative, to facilitate the purchase of sustainably sourced woodfuel in bulk, reducing transportation emissions. The awarding of the project funding coincided with the opening of two local production facilities of BSL authorised fuel. It was decided that there was no longer a need for the co-operative. Instead, the LEAP Woodfuel Network was launched, to provide a central place for people to discover their local source of sustainably produced woodfuel. 154 people are following the Facebook page so far.
Become a regional Centre of Carbon Excellence, establishing LEAP as the go to organisation for information and advice on community carbon reduction. Lochwinnoch Primary School approached LEAP for support with their renewables topic and World at Work week. 45 P6 children took part in the workshops provided. Our support was also requested through the outreach activities detailed in the community resilience section and 5% of our contacts this year were through referrals from other agencies throughout Renfrewshire, e.g. Renfrewshire Advocacy Service, Renfrewshire Women’s Aid, Citizens Advice, Engage Renfrewshire, and local councils. We supported the CCF Glasgow and Clyde Valley Network and provided advice and support to new and existing CCF groups.
TRAVEL Increase the number of people shopping locally. The Eat Lochwinnoch Organic Fruit and Veg Delivery Club and Wholefood Co-op were set up to bring into Lochwinnoch items that were not available to buy there and that people were travelling outwith the village to purchase. The Delivery Club boxes were delivered to a local retail outlet (Heritage Farmer's Market Shop), with the intention of allowing the owner to showcase his stock when the boxes were being uplifted by the members. At the start of the project, there were 9 members of the Delivery Club and 16 members of the Food Co-op, all receiving a fortnightly order for fruit and/or veg. During the project 5 new members joined the Delivery Club, unfortunately during this time, 5 long standing members cancelled their membership. For 3 members this was due to re-location, one was having difficulty remembering to pick up her order, the final member to leave had noticed the range of non-organic produce now available in the shop, when picking up her box and had decided to switch to buying produce there (therefore continuing to shop locally).
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There were 16 members of the Wholefood Co-op at the start of the project. 7 joined during the year, but 2 left due to moving out of the area. 93 orders were placed by members during the year of the project. This has resulted in our target of increasing the membership of both schemes by 25% to have been partially met. An unexpected outcome has been that the owner of the shop where the Delivery Club orders are uplifted, after noticing a sharp increase in sales on the box uplift day, has increased the range of items he stocks. This has further increased the amount of food that is now purchased locally.
WASTE Reduce the consumption of virgin materials and fewer things sent to landfill in our communities by educating and encouraging reuse and upcycling activities and by increasing the amount of food waste we compost in our local schools.
Composting 592 children in two local primary school (Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch) now have classroom compost caddies, allowing classroom and breaktime food waste to be composted in the school compost bins. We had hoped to also extend this to our new area primary school (Houston Primary) during the project, but they did not wish to be involved. However 505 children in Houston Primary School are learning about the composting process through using the LEAP provided tumbler composter. 8 children on Kilbarchan Primary School Eco Committee have been trained in composting and are developing a training pack to deliver to the whole school.
Textile reuse Three communities were involved and 1180 people reached (based one of the Facebook posts) in the Erskine to Calais collections of bedding. We worked in partnership with the church in Kilbarchan, increasing the congregation's awareness of the reuse of textiles and providing volunteering opportunities (3 members of the congregation volunteered to transport the collected items to Erskine, with several more manning the collection slots). 31 people (including helpers) attended the Saturday Swap Shop clothing swap in Kilbarchan, increasing their awareness of reuse of clothes and learning about the negative environmental impact of clothing production. 587 people were also reached via Facebook. Members of the Kilbarchan Primary School Parent Council are now trained in Swish events, confident they can run them independently in the future and keen to do so.
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15 adults took part in the Meddle and Make Awesome workshops and 8 children and 3 adults attended the eco crafting children's party, learning how to customise and reuse old textile items.
235 pupils at Kilbarchan Primary School took home leaflets regarding various uniform re-use events throughout the year. Extending the scheme to other uniformed organisations is still in progress. The intended roll out to other schools has been problematic, with some resistance from schools. Bridge of Weir Primary Parent Council have independently set up a uniform reuse scheme. 1240 children attending Lochwinnoch, Kilbarchan, Bridge of Weir & Houston Primary Schools and Kilbarchan Community & Lochwinnoch Nurseries were involved with the shoe re-use events. The sale was particularly successful in Bridge of Weir Primary School, who intend to regularly run the event in future years. We had committed to running 8 children's clothing re-use events through out the year (6 clothing, 2 uniform). 10 were held (7 clothing/shoes, 3 uniform), with the addition of 2 eco crafting workshops (focusing on textile reuse and upcycling) and 3 collections of other textiles for reuse.
Bike Swaps and Bike Skills Leaflets were distributed to 300 children in Lochwinnoch Nursery & Primary School for the first Lochwinnoch Bike Swaps, with 846 people reached via Facebook (based on one of the posts). 648 children at Houston & St Fillan's Primary Schools received leaflets about the Houston Bike Swap, with 687 people reached via Facebook. 12 attended Bike Maintenance Workshops at the Houston Bike Swap. Leaflets distributed to 300 children in Lochwinnoch Nursery & Primary School for the second Lochwinnoch Bike Swaps, with 17642 people reached via Facebook , with 71 shares. Leaflets were distributed to 300 children at Kilbarchan Primary School and Kilbarchan Community Nursery, for the Kilbarchan Bike Swap, with 306 people reached via Facebook. Bike reuse events had not been planned for this project, but had been held in response to community demand, so the 4 that were held are in addition to our target reuse events.
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The Kilbarchan Bike Swap was held in association with Kilbarchan Primary School Parent Council and an unexpected outcome was that they decided to turn the event into an Eco Day of Action, raising awareness of the reuse of bikes, shoes, books, toys and dvds. Another unexpected outcome was that a result of the bike swaps, LEAP was contacted by the Breastfeeding Network to ask for a donation of one of the leftover bikes for them to use as a raffle prize, further promoting the idea of bike reuse.
5.0 Learning and Reflection In Section 4.0 – Outcomes and Section 6.2 Actual Expenditure of this report we have reviewed and assessed areas of the project which were only partially delivered or where objectives changed from those initially envisaged, in addition to these points already made we include the following reflections;
Energy The changing governmental landscape and government priorities had an impact on our project. During the current year we had uncertainty and changes to government initiatives to encourage energy efficiency measures. The projected impact of the Green Deal nationwide did not deliver the response expected and was eventually shelved. The HEEPS Cashback scheme for EWI became fully subscribed just at the stage where our householders were applying for this matched funding (July 2015), although all householders were put on the HEEPS Cashback EWI waiting list, we were subsequently informed it was fully closed and no further vouchers would be issued. The Renewable Heat Incentive was introduced but Feed In Tariffs were slashed meaning any interest we had anticipated in domestic solar photovoltaics were not realised. The ‘Easy to Treat’ scheme to address cavity wall and loft insulation did not materialise. The Warmer Homes Scotland scheme was introduced but we have not had good experience or feedback from householders referred to this scheme so far regarding timescales, communication or actions achieved against expected outcomes.
The focus and availability of each of these scheme’s being subject to change meant it was challenging to deliver some of the targeted energy efficiency measures supported by these schemes as reflected in our energy measure table. The changing landscape meant needing to spend project time and energy to always be on top of the latest information, which is somewhat understandable and part of our role in the community but the sheer variability and unreliability of government schemes to support energy saving meant that our advice offered to householders was ever-changing regarding incentives or support available, consistency would be better. We were also hampered at times by lack of communication from Home Energy Scotland on these aspects or upcoming changes. Home Energy Scotland
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also closed down their database and changed computer systems mid the introduction of the Warmer Homes Scotland Scheme which meant a backlog of referrals from LEAP were not processed by them or referred into their system for several months which had an impact on member of our community receiving assistance through schemes available to them.
TRAVEL Eat Lochwinnoch Organic Fruit and Veg Delivery Club Switching the supplier to Locavore solved many of the problems with the club, but brought with it a few additional ones. The fortnightly automatic ordering led to some members forgetting to pick up their order. Reminder emails were then sent the day before delivery and to reduce the admin time, this was then moved to an automatic service. There appears to be a strong demand in Lochwinnoch for organic fruit and veg, with many people enquiring about the scheme. This however has not led to an increase in membership. Cost appears to be the biggest barrier.
WASTE Classroom composting Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch Primary Schools both committed to the composting programme, before the equipment was purchased. This was to involve a before and after survey of the classes to establish if composting awareness raising at school had a positive impact on food waste collections in the home. They also agreed that sample weights would be taken by classes to estimate the food waste composted over the year. Due to illness of the Eco lead in one of the schools, only the initial survey was returned, the second survey has been completed, but has yet to be received, so no analysis of behavioural change as been done as yet. Neither survey, despite reminders, has been completed by the second school. Neither school has so far provided weight data. The development by the Eco Committee at Kilbarchan Primary of the composting workshop, has stalled. Due to the Eco lead being absent for an extended period, there have been no Eco Committee meetings since November 2015. It is expected that the work will restart in April.
Uniform Reuse A change in the Eco lead at Kilbarchan Primary School at the start of the project and her absence for several months near the end of the project, delaying the roll out of the uniform scheme to other uniform groups in the community. The children in the Eco Committee are still very keen to do this, so it is hoped that the roll out will be achieved next year.
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For two of the three events, the data collection (number and weight of clothing donated/ reused) was handled by the Eco Committee. This information was not passed on to LEAP, so no carbon figures have been allocated for this.
6.0 Finance and Project Administration
6.1 Budget Spend
Budgeted and anticipated Spend for 2015/16 - Table
Budgeted Spend Draw Down Claim No April £26,413.47 £20,346.53 1 May £5,710.00 £4,642.74 2 June £5,710.00 £5,672.71 3 July £24,030.24 £25,368.26 4 August £3,326.67 £1,425.99 5 September £3,326.67 £4,437.76 6 October £24,030.24 £23,975.77 7 November £3,326.67 £7,400.11 8 December £3,326.67 £2,331.63 9 January £24,030.24 £11,907.49 10 February £3,326.72 £8,680.28 11 March £3,326.73 £10,187.12 12 End March £2,091.09 13 £1,416.84 14
Totals £129,884.32 £129,884.32 100% Budget remaining £0.00
The schedule with anticipated monthly expenditure was prepared at the start of the project year. This enabled us to deliver without having any major areas of underspend, while also allowing us to re-profile budgets to best meet the needs of local residents, the project team and volunteers.
6.2 Actual Expenditure April 2015 to March 2016 - actual expenditure differed from planned expenditure for the following key reasons;
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1. Increased expenditure in team fees in two main aspects of the project delivery, firstly in the delivery of the Big Energy Saving Week we had an increase within specific roles to prepare, plan & deliver the events. Secondly, in the last quarter of the project there was an increase in hours due to community consultation, increased workload across the team to meet the outcomes of the project and delivery of commitments in early 2016. 2. Underspend in the ‘Handy Person’ Services budget as LEAP had secured an increased amount joint funding to deliver works in the ‘Make it Happen’ and External Wall Insulation project than anticipated. This increased the demand on the team contractor’s time and management of the projects, while reducing the need to use the ‘Handy Person’ budget. 3. Underspend of Draught tests and Thermal Image budgets had arisen due to supplier issues in getting reports back to clients, issues with booking and lack of communication when trying to reconcile works carried out.
The anticipated spend each month against actual spend in quarters 1, 2 and 3 were closely matched, while the last quarter seen a wider gap due to increased workload across the team and supplier issues with Thermal images and Draught tests. The alignment of the External Wall Insulation Project and ‘Make it Happen’ also mean that other expenditure was allocated to other budgets within LEAP during the final quarter, for example additional travel costs and what would have been allocated to the ‘Handy Person’ budget. Resources within the team and with our the company who support us with our financial record keeping led to an additional claim which we had not anticipated, making it 14 claims in the financial year.
6.4 Project Administration Highlights Branding, Communication and Marketing – The Community Development and Outreach Officer and Depute Project Manager have helped to increased exposure of the project through the website, social media and in local printed media. The number of articles published increased and enquiries came in from a broader reach of people across the rural villages. Local suppler, Kuka studios helped with technical issues with email servers, loss of website data, spamming and hacking on the website. Kuka also supported the Community Development and Outreach Officer to increase exposure online. LEAP Car Club – Car Club Coordinator helped by using his skills as a film maker to promote LEAP community car club and ‘Make it Happen’ for more vulnerable householders. This was backed by a drive across the team to share and promote our successes and case examples while gathering data and feedback from existing residents we had been giving support to.
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Valuable partnerships – LEAP have increased our exposure across Renfrewshire, via the involvement in the Renfrewshire Advice Partnership Network, Renfrewshire Social Enterprise Network, Renfrewshire, Greener Thematic subgroup meeting, Renfrewshire Council have also increased their understanding of the work LEAP achieve within Rural Renfrewshire. The CCF Glasgow and Clyde Network and taking part in the Social Enterprise training with the Social Enterprise Academy has greatly increased our network and opened up further partnership working a specific projects such as LEAP (ReVolve Project), just one example of the benefit of the network. Valuable support - working relations with our CCF Development Officers over the course of the project period Caroline Kemp, who supported the Project Manager in delivering the funding outcomes, growing and shaping the project. CASP free training and Energy Action Scotland forums have helped LEAP to make projects a reality while planning and training for future opportunities.
7.0 Supporting Information and Appendices
Please see attached file for supporting documentation which provides more detail into the activities and outcomes of the LEAP Calder and Gryffe Community Project.
Appendix A - LEAP Home Energy Check (HEC) Assessment Form Appendix B – Example LEAP Home Action Plan Report Appendix C – Overall Carbon Accounting for Final Report Mar 2016 Appendix D – LEAP Community Consultation Feb 2016 Appendix E – LEAP Community Participation
Video links LEAP Energy Video http://www.myleapproject.org/practical-cutting-the-energy-bills/.
LEAP Carclub Video http://www.myleapproject.org/leap-car-club/
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